Solo female van life at 82: From hopeless hoarding to freedom
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- Опубликовано: 19 апр 2024
- Imagine what it must be like as an 82 year old senior nomad doing van life to have all of your possessions stuffed into the minivan you live in. These possessions likely become more than things, they represent an important part of your life. Perhaps the only thing you have control over. So imagine how hard it would be to part with them even as keeping them forces you to sleep without a bed in the passenger seat of your minivan as.you camp.and.boondick.on city streets at night. That eas thr situation Ter4da was in when I encountered her. It was quite a painful journey for her to embark upon, letting go of some of her things so a diy van conversion could be done on her minivan. But, littlr.by little she is letting go. I am so.proud of her. I think you will be to as I share with you the first baby steps.she takes.on this journey of downsizing.
Let me.know in the comments.if.you or anyone you know is having a hard time letting go of possessions in order to move forward. 
Развлечения
My niece marshalled the family to move me out of my condo where I'd lived for 40 years, to an apartment closer to her. My brother said I was a level1 hoarder. My niece told me that we got rid of about 3/4 of my stuff in the 4 months leading up to my move.
I've been healing mentally and physically in the 9 months since the move. Every so often I miss something, but I am grateful to have gone through this and that I am now in a better, happier, healthier, less cluttered place than before.
And I still live my life by the 3 questions my niece asked me:
1. Do you really need it?
2. Does it give you joy?
3. Do you have a place for it?
I have such respect for you for helping another person pare down their life so they can actually LIVE it!
Well done Rowdy Girl, healing is a journey, be kind to yourself and celebrate how far you have come. I loved your comment.
What a wonderful and wise person your niece is. She is a treasure in your life.
Good for you!
She is God's gift to our family. And an amazing person! @@gloriouslifeonwheels3621
I am going through this now. At my age, I just do not have the energy and cannot believe my accumulation of Good Junk. My move is in literal days and there is a ton of stuff to do. I have help for 2 days a week and after they leave I am literally exhausted. Takes time to recover.
"I'm not here to impose my will on anyone else." How much better would the world be if everyone had this philosophy?
Ultimately the choice was and had to be hers. There certainly would be less conflict if people were not trying to impose their will on others.
I took care of my mom for the last years of her life. She was a hoarder, out of fear she would lose things she cherished. It was a challenge to help her organize in a way that she had agency and control. Most important was respect.
Y3s, therr is a delicate balance that needs to be maintained between respecting the wishes of the person in question and moving forward with the process.
Same here! I always would ask my elderly mom to let me help her clean her apartment. She would decline and I could feel her getting more and more upset when I would just start doing the dishes etc. She ended up in the hospital, she said " I know what you are going to do" she surrendered and that was my opportunity. I went in and just did it. I had 24 hours and never worked so HARD in my life! When she came home, I wasn't there but she called me I was SURE she was going to go off. She actually thanked me and started crying. 12:09
🌸🌸💜💕
I don’t know this individual’s past, but I imagine where she was living before could’ve possibly looked just like the inside of her van. I have family, and a couple of friends that are currently hoarders, and I can tell you it’s one of the most difficult mental state of minds to deal with. Unfortunately, they can draw on every last shred of patience the person who’s helping them has. Sad indeed. I hope she doesn’t fill up her van again, but I have little confidence she won’t do that. But I am hoping for the best for her. 🙏🏼
May you never lack. May your kindness return to you abundantly
I don't think anyone else could have done this but you Carol. You have the right personality. You are patient and kind. You were able to walk the delicate tightrope of respect and firmness. I also think she was ready to do it. Not happy, but understanding that you weren't forcing her. Control is a major issue with hoarders and you allowed her to remain in charge. I love seeing her helping you minimize. Take a well earned rest. I know it was exhausting for all involved. Thanks for the update. AWESOME Job!!❤
You really named it, the need to maintain a delicate balance between respect and the necessary degree of resolve. I think as we got going Teresa was really feeling good about herself and her decision. I was very proud of her.
I've been decluttering my small home for 5 years so when I die there won't be much to get rid of. I've kept some books, 2 hymnals and 4 or 5 Bibles I've used over the years. Going to get rid of some winter clothes I never really wore much and already did it with summer clothes.
That is so thoughtful of you!
There’s a program where you send your clothes and they pay you in gift cards. Not much but it’s something. One is called Thred Up, The take back bag from Tik Tok 😊, For Days, knickey, parade, fair harbor, Madewell, H&M and you can check locally for recycling drop-offs or shelters
I've started this as well. I'm not sure when we'll be overrun by builders and the highway widening, but the last thing I want to be is taken by surprise.
My last little Birdy flew the nest last month, making me an empty nester.
Out of a 4 br/2 bath 1700sf with an oversized closed in carpeted ac double garage as well as 2 separate family rooms, I use the den, eat in kitchen, 1 bathroom, and a smaller downstairs bedroom that houses my office area in a 5'x4' corner. I've taken six carloads of clothes, dishes, holiday decor, picture frames, toys, a printer, computer, just so much STUFF.
It's been so freeing to actually organize and prioritize.
I'm SOO proud of Teresa!
Grateful for the G.L.O.W. & the help!
~Safe travels and safer stays!
🚐☁️
I'm starting to do that same thing... It's a journey tho** after I'm gone.... Don't want to stress nobody 😞 out! Good deal ..
@kimberlyc84 Good for you, being proactive! Moving is stressful enough. This week I set myself a criteria for my gardening: -has to be portable. Grow bags, wire shelves, cinder blocks, all foldable or able to be left behind. (🤞hopefully reused)
My husband was a hoarder. He would bring things into my house and hide them under our bed and other places. He had already filled up two of his own houses. Needless to say, our marriage did not last long. I couldn't stand the hoarding.
I live with a hoarder. It is a lonely life, I feel isolated.
You not only talk the talk. You actually walk the walk. A rarity in many people. You are a Blessing to others. Thank you for being you and video. Many Blessings to you. Hugs to you dear lady.
My daughter helped me get rid of stuff when we sold our big house and moved into our much smaller retirement house. I so appreciate her doing it. I was really struggling with getting rid of stuff. I didn’t watch her do it, and honestly I haven’t missed one item she got rid of.
Isn't it amazing how after stuff is gone you don't even miss it!!
@@gloriouslifeonwheels3621 yes.
Here's the thing: I purge after forgetting stuff in the back of a closet or cupboard or on top of cupboards when I accidentally find it after a month or two...Once Teresa loses sight of those things in storage for a while, she will come to realize she actually doesn't need a lot of it and this will help her let more go. Well done!
I think you are right. She is going to feel so good seeing her van cleaned up!
God Bless you for helping her ❤
I did home care and hospice for years on Cape Cod. It amazed me how much people held onto. But for a lot of people, each item carried a memory and that was sacred to them. It is very challenging to help those that can't help themselves. Bless you.
I agree.😊
When my mother passed, and I had to empty out her house, thankfully with the invaluable help of my husband, what kept reverberating in my head was the lines from the "Old Rugged Cross": So I'll cherish that old rugged cross, 'till my trophies at last I lay down..." Boy, you talk about the chickens coming home to roost...I finally realized what those trophies were all about...the only thing we take with us is our soul...earthly possessions are nothing...
So true!
You're out doing God's work.bless you🙏♥️😊
I hope so😊
"Love thy neighbor.... " & “Whatever you did for one of the least of these... "
Each week as I eliminate from my life more and more of the things that weigh me down, there's always GLOWs to lift me up. There's not a lot left on tv or youtube that I can watch anymore. I can only look in admiration on how you live your life, and the good and pure pervasive messaging you share with us each and every week. This is indeed a safe space for me and I appreciate it & God Bless you. 👼
I am so glad you feel safe in the space I try to cultivate. Thank you for letting me know. It means a lot to me.
I once heard that some hoarders feel that the items actually have feelings so they can’t let them go. They don’t want the items to feel rejected. Also many hoarders begin their hoarding after a traumatic event. That helped me understand their condition better. You have done a truly wonderful thing. Teresa looks happy. 😆
I think this was a matter of having lost so much that what was left took on an extra special value and represented so much more than mere possessions.
There is nothing tht compares to your 'home' being organized!! It relaxes your mind, and believe it or not- You tend to save so much money because you figure out that most things you buy are not needed and you refuse to clutter your home anymore Wow! You really are helping this Lady in so many ways, you are making her life more peaceful.. Great Job!
I completely agree about the result of organization, and for me, downsizing. I feel free, i encumbered and have saved an unbelievable amount of money in the 5 years since I minimized. I only have what I need. I was no where near a hoarder.
It really does clear your mind and get rid of mental chaos!
@@gloriouslifeonwheels3621 It really does for me--- Love this channel ❤
Carol just in hopes she is watching and reading comment....
Ms. Please know you are loved and you are being blessed because of your bravery. Stay strong and you got this. I'll be cheering you on and keeping you in my prayers from Des Moines, Iowa.
Carol, Thanks for having that gift of help and caring and uses it to the biggest ability you can. Blessings!
What lovely comments. Thank you
That's a LOT of progress!
It really is!!
You have alot of patients,God bless you and your journey
You also have a lot of patience! 😁
My god, woman….you have the patience of Job. I salute your good heart, and admire your ability to be so accepting and tolerant of people who are struggling. Personally, I would run screaming for the hills!
I had to chuckle when I read the end of your comment. Sometimes you just have to stand when your natural inclination is to bolt. LOL
This is an act of love and a sacred work you are doing Carol.God bless you and give you the strength to finish this race with Teresa,may she come to know Gods love for her thru this project.
That really is the ultimate purpose. To demonstrate the love of Christ so that Ter4sa can see it thru this process.
Perfectly said!
It's amazing how much she trusted you given that she is a hoarder. Good job! You are a sweet lady :-)
She was ready to move forward and I believe was exhausted by it all!
Your heart is so big. Love and prayers to you. I'm so glad you helped this precious lady.
:) THANK SO MUCH for sharing and HELPING Teresa! ALL the BEST and looking forward to her getting a real bed :) ! ! !
Me too!
Love to Theresa and all the rest of you. At least it is only a van full. Imagine an entire house plus multiple storage lockers and maybe a full yard. Wherever there is room...
May Theresa be happy in the end of all this. And gets tons of loving support afterward. So it isn't all for not. ❤
Thank goodness it is only a van!!!
One trash can full is a big start. Bless you for caring and helping. Good karma will be coming your way! 🙏🏻☮️♥️✊🏻😊👩🏻🌾
I think it is a really big start for Teresa. My mom used to always tell me, "You can catch a lot more flies with honey than vinegar." It just took some patience ajd reassurance.
At least her items were all in bags nice and neat once you got them into storage. Good job so far.
Yes. Once we could see exactly.what we were dealing with that seemed the best plan to consolidate everything into suitcases and bags, plus we got a couple if large boxes. Worked out pretty good so far.
God Bless You Both!
Before my parents passed away, my sister and I would try over the years to get rid of the junk and clutter they had accumulated. Needless to say, it was always a battle, arguing and constant resistance. After they were gone, it took us at least 4 months of tossing things, using Got Junk on several occasions and packing up momentous for storage to clear out their three bedroom house. It was truly frustrating and exhausting. So, my hat is off to you for taking the “baby” steps to help this lady. God Bless
You certainly understand.
Ms Gloria you are a Godsend because you have a lot of patience.. bless you 🙏🏽💕
God Bless you for helping Theresa. The expression on her face in that pic, just the look in her eye, looked so much less hopeless and afraid. I know that feeling you had of feeling completely overwhelmed when you've jumped in to take something on that has to be done, but seems impossible halfway through! Our last move was that way...the landlord sold out to investors and only gave us 30 day's notice, then, shortly after that, my mother's apartment building decided that everyone on her floor needed to relocate to other floors while they did major roof repairs, all WHILE my mom was in the hospital. Every time I THOUGHT I was almost finished combing through her stuff, I'd pull down a blanket, and find a whole, huge new pile that had to be sifted/sorted/ disposed of without leaving account numbers, etc behind. I started out doing this on a cane, and ended up having to use my mom's wheelchair to do all the last back and forth from the apt to the car, or laundry room or dumpster. I was like you on both moves....talking myself into calming down, "Don't think about all of it, just these next few boxes here", etc. I'm now using TWO canes, my dear mother ended up passing away that next year, and I've STILL got a bunch of her stuff in a storage building down the street. You're right...its all Baby Steps...(Sigh!) Thanks again for the update!
Carol, God bless you !!! You brought such hope and light in helping this elderly woman to declutter her van. you are a testimony of God's kindness and love.
Thank you Esperanza. Teresa is such a lovely lady. She just needed someone to care and now lots of people do😊
God bless you for helping her. You have much more patience than I do. I know I'll get smack for saying this, but shame on her for not learning to speak English. Or at least enough to carry on a simple conversation. Also, if her mental issue is not dealt with she will have that van filled back up in no time. I hope I'm wrong.
Don't ever assume someone can learn another language. My ex sister in law was from Mexico. My learning disability kept me from learning spanish. I put my heart and soul trying to learn😪. How so I would love to be able to conversate with all my brothers and sisters in spanish 🤗. Beautiful culture, beautiful people🥰.
@@angelawierda760 I think your situation is very rare.
Actually Teresa can understand English quite well. It is just easier for her to communicate in Spanish. Not as easy to learn even when surrounded by a language at middle age when she came here.
I chuckled over the dead plant. My ex was a hoarder. His house was like those seen on the Hoarders show. Our kids asked me to come for the last WEEK of emptying the house…mainly the attic. There were things in unopened movers boxes from 30 years before.
Carol, You are a brave woman! And very special.
Thank you so much. You are an example to me of a brave individual.
Wow, that's a start. I'm so glad to see the minivan seats. Good jo Carol, I can't wait to see the finish.
❤ wow some people would be taking Meds by now😅 but you are amazing ❤ for helping this woman in a hard place that's a lot of stuff amazing work being done thank you for who you are all you give to help others lives become more comfortable
Thankfully there were no pharmacies nearby🤣🤣🤣
You REALLY have your head on straight, Woman. You’re a blessing to this world - especially today. Thanks for your helping.
What you said in this video struck a chord with me. I thank you for reminding me that imposing your will on someone else (even though you think that you're only trying to HELP them) it's still not their will, but your own. I must keep that in mind while I am dealing with a situation with someone very close to me. The person I know- wants help, but they don't if that makes any sense. A person's mind may not be quite ready for change, or, they may have deeply imbedded traumas or habits that prevent them from being able to accept the HELP. I give you loads of credit for wanting to help and for being quite compassionate and understanding. Bless you Glow. Giving her a place to sleep where she can relax and be calm may help her to see the importance; but being realistic, it may only last for a little while. No matter though; you did what you could to help, that is AMAZING, and the folks who donated so that it could be done; you are AMAZING TOO. God bless each & every one of you.
Thank you for helping her and for being so understanding about her issues. ❤
Bless you for being present in a crises. You are an Angel 😇 Rest now and stay positive 🙏
I am absolutely resting🤣
❤Bless you ❤️
Congrats Carol, Theresa, and Jose!! Any work done is a win, and you 3 did a lot!! ❤
The three of us really did pull together. A job well done by us all, including Teresa.
Bless your heart. Again , you are a God send. Hang in there. I, for one love you for what you do to help people. Linda
Thank you Linda 🥰
Good job, and the kindness and empathy is Priceless!! 🎉🎉
You have made a lot of progress. This poor lady needed someone and you came along. God bless 😊
I do believe we made a loy of progress and am proud of Teresa for going thru with this!
Wow! What a blessing you are! I absolutely love kind generous people..definitely restores my faith in humanity..thank you..thank you for helping Theresa! 💕💕💕💕💕
There are so many other kind people out there too. So glad to hear you have been encouraged to believe that.
Gracias Carol🌹🌹🌹May the Lord bless you for your act of kindness !
I will pray for you all 🙏
Thank you.
You are the sweetest, most amazing and giving person. My prayers to you my dear!🥰🥰
Thank you❤
Y😅u got that much in the trash she was willing to part with! You and she did GREAT! Seriously You really did great… … now to go thru her “treasures” and why each piece brings her joy or special meaning … now can we take a picture and pass it on to someone else? Clothes? Old, torn, stained? Don’t fit… It’s a process … words of encouragement but don’t over due. Baby steps. Somewhere you will discover the trauma trigger and she’ll ‘see’ and that’s where the How could I live like this? Healing begins… God will give you insight too…. Be very aware of her loading up the van again … sometimes it takes many clean outs before hoarding trauma is dealt with … you have helped … you will never have failed her…. Remember it’s a mental health issue Ask God what to pray for and what spirits to pray against
You are such a blessing to others❤
Amazing job you guys accomplished with patience. 🤓 👍
Thank you for the update. Hoping that this progress will continue and make life easier for Teresa ❤
❤ Carol you are a blessing 🙌 thank you for what you do in making a difference ❤
That means a lot to me to hear. Thank you so much.
Keep the faith. You will succeed!
Carol, you & Teresa’s friend are saints. Talking to yourself? What’s wrong with that? Perfectly normal & it helps! It’s funny how we can learn life lessons at any age if we’re open to it. Bless you ❤
Lord I ask you to give everyone in this project peace and strength. I also ask for you to open up this woman's heart to realize she will have a better living situation when they are done I ask this in Jesus name Amen.
Thank you so much. I recrive every word and so appreciate that prayer.
You're an angel for helping her. God bless you.
God Bless You 🙏, you have a beautiful soul ❤️. Teresa is a blessed person for having you in her life. Don't give up, you will make it to the end and all will be worth it.
At the start as we were pulling things out Inhad my doubts. But didn't want to sbow that. Now, that we've come this far I truly believe we will finish this project.
I sincerely hope, for her sake, that Teresa gets some treatment for issue with hoarding. Otherwise it's just a matter of time before the van is back to being crammed full of stuff again. I didn't watch the initial video, and I'm glad I didn't. The thumbnail of an 82 year old woman sleeping in the front seat of her van upset me enough. Finding out that she has a hoarding issue would have only made things worse for me. I'm glad you were able to help her, Carol, because dealing with a hoarder is not something most people are equipped to do.
There are at least 4 people with channels that do extreme cleaning at no charge for those with hoarding issues. Those 4 people will tell you that it doesn’t matter what it’ll look like in a week or next month, because those places didn’t get that way overnight. They’re making a way today, & today is all that matters.
God bless you for helping this lady!
I so enjoy your channel and plan to travel part-time sooner than later.
I am so happy for you. There is so much to see in this country, both beautiful and historical sites. Wishing you safe and wonderful travels
👏👏. Good job. That would’ve been stressful., I hope she appreciates it, but I don’t know. God will reward you, Carol. I wonder why she didn’t bother to learn English because she would get along so much easier. Thinking about how her employers she said, just let her go. There are two sides to every story and as you know when you get older, you realize that. We realize a lot of things when we get older. 🥴 you did good.
You're doing a great job, Carol. It can be hard to get rid of stuff, especially if you've ever been through a period of life when you were lacking. Eventually, though, it can wear you down and your belongings start to own you. It's been hard for me to downsize, and I still need a storage unit. Sigh....
I agree with everything you said!!
You are a warrior Miss Carol. Keep shining your light! 🌞 ❤ Sacramento, California USA 🇺🇸
God bless you carol❤🙏🏾
Wow!! I can't believe all that STUFF came out of that van!And y'all weren't finished yet either, not yet by a long shot!! Truly a labor of love, Carol. GOD BLESS YOU for caring. Looking forward to updates on the situation. Take care
It was a labor of love for a fellow human being who needed some help. But I tell you, Teresa was in there working just as hard as me and Jose, and she had an emotional connection to everything which we did not.
Carol you have the patience of a saint & a heart of pure gold. Still ... be prepared... the bigger challenges may not have yet occurred... right now she has a van w/ interior build in progress AND still in possession of all her things ... and I need not say more you are already there 🙃. It may come to the point that paying for an extra months storage rental if possible & walking away after the van build is completed and you have helped her get organized in the van w/ essentials & then letting her & her friend decide how to go forth from there is your best path ... you have done so much for this lady - I suspect this lady may come with a baggage full of challenging history .. where is her family, any children? You have many skills & lotsa compassion that renew one’s faith in the humanity of helping others
🥀🌻🌈🌺
I do realize that there may be some additional challenges ahead. I am just focusing on one day and one task at a time. I hope to start clearing out some things in the couple of weeks before we start the build. That is why I got the storage unit now. Will just baby step our way to the finish line.
My sister is a hoarder too. I have driven to OR twice in these past 4 months [5 weeks total] to help her... it has been one of the hardest things I have done. She doesn't want to let anything go, she just wants to reorganize stuff that she doesn't need or that doesn't even fit her 😮. So watching this video, I truly feel your pain! You are a good person! Good luck, GM
I feel your pain. Takes hoarders a long time to really see what others see. It's a psychological/emotional situation. Until they 'see' it, they cannot accept any attempts to help.
It takes so much patience and grace to help a hoarder, but thank God for the progress made by G.l.o.w with this elderly woman 🙏🏾
Well done Carol, and your helping this elderly lady. Also for getting Pascal on board to build out her car. Wonderful you have such a big heart, it doesn't go un noticed. Mems Journeys Aotearoa NZ
If she doesn't want to get rid of her stuff she can either keep renting a storage unit or get her a small covered trailer to keep her belongings accessible and her ability to keep her stuff with her. She also has a roof top storage as well. After the build of course.
God bless you and all who dinated to help this lady we need more people like you all.
What a caring and lovely person you are ❤
What I agree with you, my love, this is the internet. Don't put people's business on here. You're right.
Beautiful!
Hugs!
Bless you for helping her🌞🦋💖
You're doing an amazing job. I remember I knew a hoarder who actually asked me to clean her house while she was gone. It wasn't overly bad but it was bad and she went away on vacation for a week and I spent the entire week cleaning our house. About a month later I went over to visit her and it was right back to the way it was. That's the problem with hoarders they can't always stop. I hope this works out. You're an amazing person to do all this
Thank you. I hope it works out too!
A power of love getting us through this is you thankful for you an all that you do see through taking Teresa from nowhere to now here itz a matter of spacing/ pacing slow an steady so glad she was ready 🙏🏻 keep going Teresa you got this you are loved no such thing as alone 🙏🏻 Thank you for sharing ✌️💞🤟
I think Teresa was ready and really appreciated having a cleaned out van.
She is so excited her motivation is kikin in thanks again 🙏🏻🥰
God bless you, you wonderful woman. In order to start this lifestyle I had to give up so much. I wish I could have someone like you to support me. I'm eleven months into this now, but some of my stuff I lost still hurts.
Hugs to You.
God Bless
Congrats on these steps forward ❤
You are such a sweetheart. What an amazing thing you've done for this woman. ❤
🩷 so sweet of you to help this lady.
I know it’s so hard… I’m in the same boat… fear keeps me there… lack of trust… always having to look after yourself not having someone to depend upon… I thank you for coming along and helping her.. what a great gift to do…somethings just seem so overwhelming…little steps little steps make progress
Bless her heart. This is all she has of her life.
You have so much patience and a heart for helping folks in need❤️🌹🙏
Hope this works out so she has a better living situation!
Janet Andrews hello from Virginia: I laughed so hard I cried carol not at this situation but because I have been in the same situation as a senior trying to help another senior who was in a bad situation boy did it go South really fast. Stay safe my sister keep doing good things you will never go wrong stay blessed.
Sometimes you do have to laugh. But therr is good news. We are moving forward.👍
You have such a wonderful heart.
I'm so glad you didn't give up.
Actually the bed and sink are now installed and she has a fridge and power station with a solar panel.
@@gloriouslifeonwheels3621 Oh I can't wait to see it!
Thank you so much for helping her.
Tune into Tiny Campers YT channel Saturday 5/11. He is going to do a video showing the no build set up he did for her.
God Bless you BIG TIME.
Thank for what your trying to do you are a Blessing for her
I love your fighting spirit. I agree about "baby steps"; it is the perfect moto for this project. You may just be what Theresa needs to modify her hoarding behavior. I will stay tuned. I'm not only learning from this series but entertained as well. Best of luck with this fascinating project!
That's Everything she owned after 82 years... no wonder she's holding on to it.. Thank you for helping her. She was probably overwhelmed. How sad our elderly are forced to live in vehicles at 82.. what's wrong with our country? ❤
Sadly, this is just the tip of the iceberg in regards to seniors living in vehicles.
Bless your heart. Great job!
Thanks for sharing
I have to agree - that Lady is very fortunate to have a kind patient helper. Kudos to this RUclips Lady Helper!
I want to see how long this will last. I wish you the best. You can’t change a leopard spots but it’s great to see people like you who is willing to try.
Carol, you are amazing! What patience! As soon as I heard she had changed her mind, I would have been out. I hope when this project is done, she’s grateful you entered her life. Thank you for helping her.
You’re doing a great deed. Slowly does it. She will appreciate this in the long run. ❤